The idea that fresh foliage as an analogy to lack of sophistication was applied by the early 1800s to the word verdant as well and then in 1853 an author named Edward Bradley, writing under the pen name Cuthbert Bede used both words to name the chief character in his book An Oxford Freshman.

I only wish to expand on the connotation that this word carries for me. I use it to refer to a vegetative landscape in a light spring or summer shower. The plants look gorgeous and lush because the the central vacuole is swollen with water.